I am going to requeen. I dont know whether to try the Russian/Carnolian hybrid - pure Russian or just go for Italian. I currenlty lhave Carnolian (1 season) and really like them - but I want to try these new reputed varroa resistant strains.... anyone have any experience or insight beyond what I can read generally (that the hybrid is a tad meaner than the prure Carnolian - whatever that means).?
Rob
I found clear report from Russians . It is not varroa resistant. Varroa level is something 50% - 30% that of other races. However you must control mites. See specially it's desire to change queen and after with hybrid that varroa resistency is lowered.
http://www.honeycouncil.ca/users/folder.asp?FolderID=2294
PS Rob. You have terrific face!
I have one hive that is Carnolians which seem to be as gentile as 3 of my hives of Italian, but the 4th hive of Italian are some nasty mean devils. Of course I do think I have 5 hives of mixed breeds with 3 having Italian traits and one with Carnolian trates then that one that has the traits of AHB's :lol: :lol: .
:( I read about the so called Russians being resistante at $100.00 a pop. :cry: Then you go on to read the real paper work on them and find you have to do requeening every year for about 5 years to get the resistance ones.
Me I would just go with the Italians for a few more years. After all we have been dealing with the mites for some time now what is a couple more years to see if it is just hype or the real McCoy.
:D Al
At $100 a pop, I'm with you Al!!! :lol:
Stick with the carnolians, they are a gentle breed and you will be better off in the long run. Hybrids tend to get nasty unless you replace them on a regular basis and that can get costly. I think there is some promise in a mite resistant bee, however I don't think the process has matured to a point where it is worth while for a hobbyist. Just my 2 cents.
Unless you keep a very close eye on your hive, AND know the signs to look for, you would be playing russian roulette (no pun intended) with your hive. Mites can infest a hive rather quickly and sometimes it is too late to treat by the time you figure it out.
Ill stick with my Carnolians. I like the results and they are really gentle.
Rob